12 Best & Worst Ford Transit Connect Years (Facts & Stats)

Making its debut for the 2010 model year, the Ford Transit Connect is America’s best-selling compact van.

It provides agility, technology and copious configuration options for personal and small business customers alike.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the Connect’s best and worst years…

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Ford Transit Connect Are:

The best Ford Transit Connect model years are 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2011. The worst model years of the Transit Connect are 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, and 2010. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Ford Transit Connect?

Listed below are the highest-rated and least problematic Connect models.

2022 Ford Transit Connect

For those looking for a highly functional van, the 2022 Connect is a top pick; as it is one of the newer models it is also one of the most refined, offering the latest in driver assists and technology.

For 2022, “Dark Sparkle” 16-inch alloy wheels are available and roof rails with crossbars are offered on the Cargo model.

The model is still offered as a Cargo version or a multi-passenger Wagon model with two engine options and two wheelbase options (short or long). 

• Edmunds: NA
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• Car and Driver: 8.5 / 10

2022 Transit Connect, Kelley Blue Book review:

“So much bang for the buck with this “Wagon”. The gas mileage is decent, the utility is unmatched, and it makes me realize that the “soccer mom” stereotype doesn’t apply to this “wagon” at all. I’ve taken it on long-distance road trips, and it’s my daily driver and it has never once failed me. I have the short wheelbase 5-Seater, and it’s just the right amount of space for me and my German Shepherd. Only gripe is that it could really benefit from a larger Ecoboost motor like the 2.0L, but my 1.6L is adequate. It’s fun to drive and I’ll probably keep this thing forever.”

2021 Ford Transit Connect

Another safe bet is the 2021 Connect – versatile, capable, easy on gas, and less costly than standard vans.

For this model year, the lane-keeping system was bundled with adaptive cruise control.

Aside from that, and the removing of some options and updating some packages (the Taxi prep package was dropped) the model was relatively unchanged.

• Edmunds: NA
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• Car and Driver: 8.5 / 10

2021 Transit Connect, Kelley Blue Book review:

“Like this van overall with a few exceptions. First, this vehicle needs at least the 2.5 as an option to non-commercial users. The 2.0L is woefully underpowered for a vehicle of this weight. Load this to max GVWR or tow a 2000 trailer? Good luck with that! Now the vehicle has developed a very annoying and noticeable rattle around the instrument cluster. Gas mileage is nice but I’d sacrifice a little MPG for more power”

2020 Ford Transit Connect

Easy to maneuver in tight spaces, the 2020 Transit Connect is a great alternative to full-size commercial vans for anyone who needs the capabilities of a van in a compact package.

For the 2020 model, the Connect receives a slew of standard features, including automatic headlamps with configurable running lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, forward-collision warning, and automated emergency braking.

As for removals, the orange seatbelts and the Titanium Premium add-on were removed. 

• Edmunds: 5.0 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• Car and Driver: 8.5 / 10

2020 Transit Connect, Edmunds review:

“The five-star rating isn’t because it’s perfect: it’s because we love it. A lot of thought went into our purchase. When we first started shopping, my elderly mother was still alive, and even though she was not tall, it was hard for her to get in and out of cars, since her stability and flexibility were both physically compromised. In the front row at least, this car has the valuable combination of a high roof and a low floor, making it particularly easy to get into the seats. At the same time, we had (and still have) some children who are unusually tall for their ages, and wanted something that they could ride in, even once they reach their full heights…”

2019 Ford Transit Connect

The 2019 Transit Connect is capable, roomy, comfortable and highly configurable.

For this year, an all-new 2-liter 4-cylinder standard gasoline engine was introduced, which is paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. 

The front seats were upgraded for better comfort, forward-collision mitigation comes as standard, and the crosswind stabilization system and rearview camera also come as standard.

Over at the front end, there were minor styling revisions, such as LED fog lights as an option, as well as new body colors and fresh wheel designs. 

• Edmunds: 3.4 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• Car and Driver: 8 / 10

2019 Transit Connect, Kelley Blue Book review:

“I absolutely love my 2019 Ford Transit Connect XLT so much! It’s reliable, great on gas mileage and I love how versatile it is! It’s big enough for hauling big items like from Lowe’s or Home Depot and that’s very important when you own a home! It’s better than a pickup truck because everything fits inside so if the weather is raining or snowing I don’t have to worry about anything that I’m hauling won’t get ruined by the weather!! If I wanted to I can put an air mattress inside of it and take it on a camping trip! How cool is that?”

2018 Ford Transit Connect

With seating for five to seven depending on configuration, or a setup designed for business or commercial purposes, the 2018 Transit Connect is a unique alternative to SUVs, full-size vans and minivans.

For the 2018 model, the Transit Connect obtained premium packages for the XLT and the Titanium Passenger Wagon. 

Ford’s Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system with a 6.5-inch panel and accompanying rearview camera were made available for the XLT Cargo Van and Passenger Wagon, these models were also equipped with automatic headlights with configurable daytime running lights (DRL) as standard.

• Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• Car and Driver: 8 / 10

2018 Transit Connect, Kelley Blue Book review:

“This vehicle has amazing functionality and I average better than advertised fuel economy both in city driving and on highway. The seats are very comfortable and everything is in the proper location. The Transit Connect drives like a car but stores so many work tools with tremendous amounts of cargo space. This is a very well-thought-out vehicle. I test-drove both the Ram Promaster City and Nissan NV200 before driving the Transit Connect. It easily drove the best and was the most comfy.”

2017 Ford Transit Connect

Another economical and reliable option is the 2017 Ford Transit Connect.

For 2017, the Transit Connect’s optional turbocharged 1.6-liter engine was dropped leaving the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder as the only engine choice.

The Sync 3 infotainment system replaces MyFord Touch and rear parking sensors and cruise control were made standard across the lineup.

A top-of-the-range Titanium trim was introduced for the short-wheelbase models.

• Edmunds: 3.8 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
• Car and Driver: 8 / 10

2017 Transit Connect, Kelley Blue Book review:

“I bought my transit looking to transition away from the big expense of pickup trucks and trailers for my business. 3 years and 100,000 miles later I couldn’t be more impressed. There is more than sufficient room in my short wheel base van for all of my tools. While it may not be the most stylish vehicle it gets the job done. I did have it overloaded which caused the transmission to go at 80000 miles (fully covered under the extended warranty) and the tires don’t last much past 25,000 but I couldn’t ask for a more reliable vehicle for my business.”

2011 Ford Transit Connect

If you’re on a tight budget and are in need of a versatile compact van, the 2011 Transit Connect is a compelling option boasting a large cargo area and a smart in-dash computer with Internet capability.

The 2011 Transit Connect added a compressed natural gas package, taxi prep package, mobility prep package, and an XLT Premium upgrade package. 

In addition to this, an online custom-graphics program was introduced that gives owners the ability to create custom graphics for their vehicles. 

Foglights were also made standard on passenger versions.

• Edmunds: 3.6 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
• Car and Driver: NA

2011 Transit Connect, Kelley Blue Book review:

“Great little van easy to load and unload. Access back and both sides. Handles easily in town and tight space. Two seater with six foot of cargo space.”

Consumer Scores For Best Ford Transit Connect Years

Below is a table that presents all the consumer ratings of the best Transit Connect model years from reputable vehicle websites:

What Are The Worst Years For The Ford Transit Connect?

Some Transit Connect models have received more complaints than others.

Be cautious of the model years listed below.

2016 Ford Transit Connect

The 2016 Transit Connect received a number of complaints for engine problems that caused the vehicle to die whilst driving.

Here’s what the owners had to say:

“Stopped at red light in rush hour traffic with dogs in car. Car started to shake, engine failure appeared on screen along with engine light. Ford towed to dealer. Replaced throttle body. Said there is a technical bulletin out on this problem but no recall at the moment.”

“Back to the dealer for the third time for the same symptoms. Gauges are going wild, vehicle dies. Being towed to dealer. Already had throttle body replaced.”

The 2016 Transit Connect also had several issues surrounding the windshield and the windshield wipers. 

According to several reports, there were issues with alignment, where the wiper blades kept colliding with each other.

Visibility was also affected as the windshield wipers were unable to cover the relevant areas. Eventually, according to some owners, the wiper motors gave out.

The 2016 Transit Connect had a total of 8 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 95 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Died while driving
• Airbag failure leading to injuries
• Front windshield not secure

2015 Ford Transit Connect

The 2015 Transit Connect had a number of issues that were linked to manufacturer defects.

According to several reports, the biggest issue was the inability of doors to latch properly, which means that the vehicle could not be closed completely. 

Here’s one owner’s report:

“Rear sliding door latch defective. Latch was replaced in 2016-2017 per Ford recall and still malfunctioning. Door will not latch closed at all and comes open, I have children. Ford will not help with the cost to replace this.”

Other structural issues included tire problems, transmission issues, pedal concerns, and door jamming. 

The 2015 Transit Connect had a total of 9 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 58 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Tailgate stopped working
• Rear window shattered
• Front wheel bearing failure

2014 Ford Transit Connect

The 2014 Transit Connect is the most problematic model to date, there were numerous reports of fuel pump failure that caused significant engine issues.

Much like the 2015 model year, the 2014 Transit Connect also had doors that refused to latch.

Some owners even reported that their doors would fly open during drives, making the issue a major safety hazard. 

The 2014 Transit Connect had a total of 24 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 114 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

The 2014 model had a wide variety of reported complaints and its certainly a model year to steer clear of.

Common problems:

• Poor performance of air conditioning
• Fuel pump failure 
• Windshield imperfections
• Heater not working properly 

2012 Ford Transit Connect

The 2012 Transit Connect was plagued by transmission problems, according to reports it would typically fail after 52,000 miles costing owners an average of $3,500 to replace.

Here’s what one unhappy driver had to say:

“The transmission went out on this at 68000. Yes, I know it is not within warranty. However, this problem is so prevalent that there is a national back order on these transmissions. These units were obviously defective.”

Much like the 2016 model year, the 2012 Transit Connect also had its fair share of windshield wiper issues.

Owners reported that the wipers abruptly failed to operate, leading to an obstruction of the driver’s view while driving in rainy conditions.

The 2012 Transit Connect had a total of 29 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 32 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Hesitates when accelerating
• Transmission slip 

2010 Ford Transit Connect

The 2010 Transit Connect was the first model released in the US and it had its share of teething issues.

It had widespread problems with door operations, but unlike the previously discussed model years, door operation failure was largely caused by electronics failure.

Components such as the door lock actuator, power sliding motor, and the power locking component were problematic and prone to failure, according to numerous reports. 

The 2010 Transit Connect had a total of 8 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 49 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

• Major water leak
• Door lock actuator failed
• Cargo door electric lock stopped working
• Hub caps fall off 

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

Listed below are the number of reported complaints and problems for each model year of the Transit Connect.

What Problems Do Ford Transit Connects Have?

• Transmission failure
• Not shifting properly
• Hesitates when accelerating
• Transmission slip
• Poor performance of air conditioning
• Windshield imperfections
• Heater not working properly 

What Are The Best Alternatives To The Ford Transit Connect?

The Transit Connect is one of the more well-known compact panel vans in the market today.

Take a look at how it fares against its direct competitors in terms of fuel economy and pricing.

Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com

Related: 9 Best & Worst Ford Transit Cargo Van Years (Facts & Stats)

References

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Transit_Connect/

https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/transit-connect

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/transit-connect/2010

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/transitconnect/

https://www.kbb.com/ford/transit-connect/

https://www.edmunds.com/ford/transit-connect/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/ford/transit-connect